Archives for May 2012

In the PR News article, “Obesity and Communications: 3 Ways to Help America Tighten the Belt and Get Results,” Louise Pollock offers insights from a recent survey of Americans about weight and obesity. The article also includes suggestions from Pollock on how marketing and PR pros can create successful and impactful health partnerships that engage consumers and build loyalty. Click here to read the full article.

Pollock Communications is a proud winner of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation for its work on the Country Crock, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! & Promise Buttery Spread brochure for 10 Simple Steps to Make Good Habits More Delicious.

This is an exemplary achievement because the program recognizes and honors the very best public relations tactics executed each year. This year’s competition drew a total of 784 entries. Of those, only 83 organizations were selected by the judges as Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation winners. This demonstrates the high standards applied by the judges in their evaluation process. For more information, click on the link below…

It’s that time of year again, when newly minted marketing, PR and advertising graduates are pounding the pavement…and the keyboard…in search of that elusive first job…maybe even one that pays!

Meeting with and talking to these young hopefuls has always been a highlight of being in PR; it’s one of the most gratifying parts of my career. Not only do I love evangelizing about what a great career choice PR is, especially for women, but I feel it’s important to return the favor so many dedicated PR professionals did for me, which resulted in several exciting internships while I was still an English and Communications major at Tulane University, including in the PR department of a psychiatric hospital that was right out of an Anne Rice novel. And, I had mentorship to help me secure my first real job, at age 22, as PR Director of the new River Parishes Hospital in rural Louisiana. When I say new…I mean new. The CEO, CFO and I worked for 6 months in a trailer to supervise the construction of a much needed acute care facility in Cajun country. I often wonder, How the heck did I know what to do? Where did I get the confidence? And, how did I summon the courage and the resourcefulness to reach out to Aaron Neville to play for $1,000 at my hospital opening event for the media and the community?

Much of what makes a successful PR person is innate…you get it or you don’t. You know a good story or you don’t. You know how to nurture relationships…or you don’t. I can usually tell within 5 minutes if someone I’m interviewing gets it.

Because, as much as things change…the more they stay the same. The same things that made a successful PR pro 20 years ago apply today.

Yes, social media has enhanced and broadened the role of PR in marketing and corporations. But, you still need to be able to craft a clever turn of phrase…whether it’s a headline or a tweet. You still need to know your clients’ business objectives to determine what approach will work for their brand or service. The social media smorgasbord is appealing…and everyone likes to think they’re on top of the latest platform or app. But, you don’t recommend something to the client (just) because it’s cool. If it doesn’t generate customer loyalty, media coverage, or heighten brand image or reputation…it’s meaningless.

Maybe the liberal arts degree I earned is not the only way to go these days. But, the same rules apply. Be hungry, don’t be entitled, know how to pitch a story and be willing to stand on a street corner handing out samples.

Good luck to all you graduates looking for a job in PR…it could be the best decision you ever make.

Pollock Communications understands that surveys are a powerful PR and marketing tool, when you know how to maximize their results. In this article by Louise Pollock, featured on 5/15/12 on commmPRO.biz, she shares tips on how to get the most out of newsworthy survey results. Click here to read the full article.